16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

           Violence in the times of COVID-19

2020 has been a very difficult year.  Starting off with bushfires in Australia, with only a small reprieve prior to the start of a pandemic unprecedented in size and scope, this year has seen challenges for everyone, in all areas of life.

Sadly, violence against women and girls continues, even in times of a pandemic.  In fact, a lot of the data suggests that things are worse than ever before, worldwide.

Whilst it has been hard to obtain good data in terms of the rate of domestic violence, what we do know is that the pandemic has worsened the known risk factors for violence against women.  Financial stress and job insecurity has led to an increase in vulnerability.  Job loss in the informal sector has seen a subsequent increase in sexual exploitation in many low-paid female workers.  Financial stress and lack of income has increased the risk of abuse within the home.  Calls to police regarding domestic violence has increased significantly throughout the world – in China, in the early days of the pandemic, police contacts regarding domestic violence tripled.  Being confined to the house is increasing stress and isolation, leaving women with no escape from abusive partners.

Not only have risk factors increased, but stay-at-home orders have increased the isolation of many victims of abuse.  Often the workplace, or the school pickup line, or the classroom, are places where women can more safely put out distress signals to their coworkers, friends or teachers – this option is harder to take for many women who are working at home or educating their children at home.  In many cases, access to health and legal services have become more difficult; women are finding it harder to find help should they need it.   Many support services have found it harder to outreach to women in lockdowns, and some services have had to close down due to lack of funds or staff, leading to others being overwhelmed and running out of room for support.

Reproductive health has been an issue – for instance, initially abortion became quite difficult to access in Australia, with Tasmania losing its only local service, and borders closed, meaning for a period of time, it was impossible to access abortion services face-to-face in the whole of Tasmania.  With the start of telehealth, this became easier, however telehealth is still not allowed for medical abortion in South Australia.  There, one can only access an abortion if a physical service is available – which is difficult when you are in lockdown.  Thankfully the SA lockdown was only brief, but this leaves a potential issue should there be another lockdown situation.  Coupled with an increase in reproductive coercion occurring, this is a disaster for the bodily autonomy of many women.

COVID 19 has been terrible for everyone, but particularly terrible for women.  45 women this year have died at the hands of their intimate partner.  That is nearly 2 women per week.